Does competition affect the clinical decision‐making of dentists? A geospatial analysis. Issue 2 (18th December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ghoneim, Abdulrahman; Yu, Bonnie; Lawrence, Herenia P.; Glogauer, Michael; Shankardass, Ketan; Quiñonez, Carlos
• Is Part Of: Community dentistry and oral epidemiology. Volume 48:Issue 2(2020:Apr.)
• Page Start: 152
• Page End: 162
• Publication Date: 2019-12-18
• Subjects: clinical decision‐making -- competition -- dentist density; Dental public health -- Periodicals; 617.6
• DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12514
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-5661

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To investigate the association between dentists' geographic density and perceptions of market competition with clinical decision‐making among a representative sample of dentists in Ontario, Canada's most populated province. Methods: Competition was quantified using dentist density, defined as the number of dental clinics lying within a one kilometre radius around the respondents' clinic address and by self‐reported perceived pressure from other dental clinics. The outcome (clinical decision‐making or treatment intensity) was measured using a set of clinical scenarios, which categorized dentists as either relatively aggressive or conservative. Associations were assessed using bivariate analysis and logistic and linear regression. Results: Dentists who perceived large competitive pressure from other dentists (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.07‐2.49) were relatively more aggressive in their treatment choices. Interestingly, dentists located in very low dentist density areas (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.03‐1.68) were also relatively more aggressive in their treatment choices. Conclusion: This study is the first to explore the impact of competition on the clinical decision‐making of dentists in a Canadian context. It presents a valuable addition to the competition literature and helps to understand current dynamics in the Canadian dental care market.